Planning your summer vacation or any trip
Whether you are looking for a good deal for your summer vacation, planning an annual holiday trip or have just decided you need a getaway, Better Business Bureau warns people to plan ahead to save money, avoid scams and travel safely.
Scammers commonly target people looking for great deals online by offering tempting vacation packages at unrealistically low prices. That’s why it is important to do your research first. A great resource is www.BBB.org for finding travel agencies, agents and websites that are reputable and dependable.
Tips for a worry-free vacation:
Plan ahead. The early bird gets the worm. Allow yourself the time to research hotels, flights and the area where you will be staying.
Avoid broad internet searches. Try to avoid entering phrases like “best deals” into whichever search engine you use. Broad search terms like that can sometimes lead you to websites that look official but are designed solely to rip people off.
Be alert for travel scams. Watch out for phone calls or letters claiming that you’ve “won a trip” or websites offering prices that are too good to be true. It’s easy to extend questionable offers like these, but the vast majority of them leave hopeful travelers in limbo and out money.
Do your homework. Ask family and friends to recommend a travel agent or travel website and visit www.bbb.org for free business profiles. If you are using online services to find accommodations, be sure to research the business and read customer reviews about any rentals you are considering.
Get trip details in writing. Before making final payment, get all the details of the trip in writing. This should include the total cost, restrictions, cancellation penalties and names of the airlines and hotels. Also review and keep a copy of the airline’s and hotel’s cancellation and refund policies as well as the cancellation policies of the travel agency or booking site you are using.
Pay with a credit card. Paying with a credit card gives you additional protection if something should go wrong with the travel reservation.
Wait to post on social media. We all like to share our vacation adventures with friends and family, but wait until you get back from your trip. Giving too much detail about when you will be away and your home being empty could attract thieves.
Visit www.bbb.org/canton or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, report a scam with Scam Tracker, read tips, follow us on social media and more.